Camino Real Diamante is certainly not the most luxurious hotel in the Acapulco area, but the big draw here is the quiet, sheltered location. This exclusive resort is figuratively a million miles away from the crowded, traffic–choked bay to the west and the ongoing construction zone by the airport.

Located on a secluded bay approached by a gated community road, this hotel gets the benefit of being cut off from crowds. It's one of the few spots in the area where you can take a photo not filled with other buildings and construction zones. Plus although its pocket beaches are small, they're truly private: the only way for a non–guest to reach them would be by boat.

Three attractive swimming pools are on separate levels, with the highest one emptying into the one below with waterfalls. Besides the ample deck space around the pools, other furnished terraces scattered around offer as much or as little privacy as you would like. From every spot, there's a good view of the bay and the neighboring hills.

The well–equipped gym is free and it sits next to a beauty parlor plus a full spa with nail and body treatments. A cigar shop, a boutique and an American Express travel agency keep guests from having to take the long taxi ride into town too often. If you have children, this hotel scores higher than most, with a kid's menu in both restaurants and an activity center for them open outside of low season.

Restaurant prices here are reasonable when compared to the competition. There is a variety of local dishes plus lots of fresh seafood prepared with flair in either Mexican or Mediterranean styles. Besides the renovated main restaurant, meals are served in the pool bar and down by the beach. The latter spot is especially attractive: a romantic, open–air circular covered deck perched over the water, lit up at night with candles and torchieres.

Every guest room got a face–lift last decade and rooms got a needed sprucing up. New mattresses, furniture, fabrics, and bath fixtures brought it into the modern age. Regular room rates are mainly determined by the view, with standards getting a partial view of the water and hills, deluxe rooms getting the full panorama. All have a balcony or terrace, an average amount of space, and amenities that will meet expectations, nothing more. Web access is wired in the rooms, wireless in the lobby (additional fee for both). Room service runs 24 hours though, which is not common in Acapulco.

The 11 suites are a sizable step up, with the two Camino Real suites and two presidential suites offering several times the space and the choicest views. Both categories are on two levels, with a large bedroom, dining room, living room, plasma TV, and a wraparound terrace with a hot tub. The presidential suites have finer fabrics, a wet bar, a dining space for six, separate shower stalls next to a whirlpool, and a terrace big enough for a party.

In a sign that this resort hasn't quite got the luxury thing down yet though, even the suite closets are filled with theft–proof hangers and guests are charged for coffee to put in the in–room coffeemakers. Considering the reasonable rates and the excellent location, however, Camino Real Acapulco Diamante is a good choice away from the hubbub and an especially good choice for families.

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Luxury Latin America is an online magazine offering detailed reviews of the best hotels and resorts in Mexico, Central America, and South America. We also feature articles based on the best tours and adventure excursions in the Americas, as well as luxury real estate stories on vacation and retirement living....